New York Jets: Why Mark Sanchez Deserves One More Year to Prove Himself

A win or a loss in Miami might be irrelevant for the New York Jets on Sunday night, as they need a great deal of help from other teams in order to make the playoffs.

Many Jets fans are placing the blame on Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has been under scrutiny since the day he was drafted to be the Jets' franchise quarterback in 2009. Sanchez helped bring the team to the AFC championship game during his first two seasons in the NFL. This led to a great deal of excitement for Jets fans in the future; however, after an inconsistent 2011 season, some Jets fans are ready to give up on Sanchez.

Here are the stats for Mark Sanchez with one game left this season: 3,276 passing yards, a 56.2 percent completion percentage, 24 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and four fumbles.

His numbers have gotten better every season, including his passer rating, which rose from 63.0 in his rookie season to 75.3 in his sophomore season, and 79.0 this 2011 season.

Clearly the biggest problem with Mark Sanchez is the turnovers. However, one thing that needs to be taken into consideration is his offensive line's play. This season, right tackle Wayne Hunter, right guard Brandon Moore and left guard Matt Slauson have all failed to be consistent pass blockers for Sanchez.

Sanchez has been sacked 37 times this season, tied for sixth most in the NFL.

If Wayne Hunter is back next season, it would be a shock. Slauson is young and still learning and you can see improvement in his game. Brandon Moore is a seasoned veteran who is probably closer to retirement than being a Pro Bowl right guard in the NFL again.

Sanchez also needs to improve his decision-making. Sanchez frequently stares down his primary receiver during a play and also he has a tendency of throwing into double coverage. These are all focal points of what Sanchez should work on in the offseason. Then he can come back with a full training camp and hopefully a new offensive coordinator to help turn his career around and get the Jets back to the playoffs.

On a closing note I will say this, this is the final year for Sanchez to improve. If his struggles and the turnovers continue next season, it will be time for the New York Jets to go in another direction at quarterback.